Couple Pleads Guilty to Theft from Isleta Pueblo Business

ALBUQUERQUE – A husband and wife have pleaded guilty to federal charges for working together to steal over $10,000 from a local business on the Isleta Pueblo.

According to the plea agreements, on February 4, 2023, Eva Mae Hernandez and Frank Joe Hernandez drove to Chical Haystack, a general store located within the Isleta Pueblo. Eva acted as a lookout while Frank entered a restricted area of the store and stole $7,275.50 in cash and a check for $3,134.80 from the store’s safe. The couple was in the store for approximately five minutes before fleeing with the stolen funds.

At sentencing, each faces up to five years in prison. They must also make restitution to Chical Haystack for the money they worked together to steal. Upon their release from prison, Eva and Frank will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Isleta Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Belen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting these cases.

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